Temperature Controller for nute. reservoir

Hey everyone.


I'm wondering if anyone had suggestions for the best termperature controller for a nutrient reservoir (i.e.: for water)


1) I'd prefer a stainless steel temp. probe.
2) And I'd also prefer a temperature range that went lower than most; say 40-45F up to whatever. So like 40* to 95* Fahrenheit range.
3) I like temp differential to be close so + or - 2* Fahrenheit, for example. So I can set it at 67*F and have it not get lower than 65* and not get higher than 69*.


Any other features are bonus (day/night, adjustable differential)
I'm looking at the "Grozone TP 2" now. I've hear some mixed/bad things about the "C.A.P. TMP-1" and "C.A.P. TMP-DNe", which are two I was thinking about for price... But I don't know.
The "Controls Products TC-9102D-HV" seems awesome! Ya just have to wire it yourself is all and it's dual stage.


Hit me with ideas, and experience please.
Thanks a tonne for any suggestions.


Peace everybody

i RAN ONE FOR A WHILE BUT I SHELVED IT HEAT WILL GROW FUNGUS MOLD WHATHAVE YOU SO ID STAY AWAY FROM HEATING THE RESI UNLESS IT GETS TOO COLD OR IT ON CONCRETE IF ON CONCRETE INSULATE THE BASE TO STOP HEAT TRANSFER SUCH AS A PIECE OF 2'' FOAM BOARD THEY SELL AT HARDWHERE STORES OR LOWES OSH HOMEDEPOT AND KEEP IT COVERED AND DARK LIGHT AND HEAT ARE YOUR PROBLEMS IF ITS THAT COLD YOUR PLANTS ARE THE NEW PROB BUT THEY DO WORK AND MIGHT BE CHEEPER TO GET FISHTANK HEATER IN LOCAL CRAIGSLIST OR NEWSPAPPER

what you want is a Ranco temperature controller. they are by far the most heavy duty.

onefortheroad said:

i RAN ONE FOR A WHILE BUT I SHELVED IT HEAT WILL GROW FUNGUS MOLD WHATHAVE YOU SO ID STAY AWAY FROM HEATING THE RESI UNLESS IT GETS TOO COLD OR IT ON CONCRETE IF ON CONCRETE INSULATE THE BASE TO STOP HEAT TRANSFER SUCH AS A PIECE OF 2'' FOAM BOARD THEY SELL AT HARDWHERE STORES OR LOWES OSH HOMEDEPOT AND KEEP IT COVERED AND DARK LIGHT AND HEAT ARE YOUR PROBLEMS IF ITS THAT COLD YOUR PLANTS ARE THE NEW PROB BUT THEY DO WORK AND MIGHT BE CHEEPER TO GET FISHTANK HEATER IN LOCAL CRAIGSLIST OR NEWSPAPPER

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I'm not looking to heat water, just to be clear; I'm looking to COOL water

superstoner1 said:

what you want is a Ranco temperature controller. they are by far the most heavy duty.

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Thanks for the suggestion SS1, I'll look into Ranco. I've also been told "sentinel" are good. And that grozone, CAP, ant some other one are all basically the same quality - which sucks because I'm this close to buying a grozone - shit! Haha. Grozone's TP2 (adjustable differential controller) doesn't have a day/night setting and it has a lowest variance in differential of 4*F with a precision of 2*F. That kinds sucks, 'cause if you want to set it at say 67*F that means it could get as low as 61*F OR as high as 73*F (4*variance + 2*precision). 61* Would be Baaad.
Grozone's TP1 is a day night controller, you can't adjust the differential, and the differential is 2*F; better for what I want perhaps - though I don't want to damage the AC or anything by it cycling on and off to frequently. Why don't they just give the D/N controller adjustable differentials and be done with it!?!?! Idiots trying to make more money thats why.

the ranco differential is adjustable. they have several models

I just saw that as I'm reading about them.
http://www.etcsupply.com/ranco-etc111000000-digital-temperature-controller-p-86.html This is the "regular" single stage I'm thinking of.
http://www.etcsupply.com/ranco-etc111100000-digital-temperature-controller010v-output-p-97.html This is the same one only with "10 volt output". What does the 10 volt output mean/what's the benefit??

I'm probably gonna go with Ranco if for nothing else than in addition to having the features I need - it has more reviews as far as I can find.

the first one is what i have. the 10v model is for triggering a low voltage device, not what you need. you need 120 for pump and chiller

superstoner1 said:

the first one is what i have. the 10v model is for triggering a low voltage device, not what you need. you need 120 for pump and chiller

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Ohhh, not only do you suggest the Ranco, but you yourself use it? That's awesome man. I'm gonna order one on payday. Thanks a lot dude.
PS: I see some 'pre-wired' ones on pretty obscure sites (though graingers was one of them). I don't think I'll bother though, I think I can figure it out.

EDIT From etcsupply's website: "Neither the Ranco ETC or Johnson A419 probes are recommended for direct submersion in any liquid. The manufacturer recommends use of a thermal or bulb well. The copper well offered by the manufacturer is not suitable in all applications, especially aquariums where it may be harmful to fish, corals and other sea life. Thus a tight fitting plastic tube is recommended for aquarium use (some hobbyist will simply coat the probe in silicone instead)."

I guess you don't use yours in a "liquid" application. I need to put my probe into the reservoir. So I guess i'll need to either coat the probe in something (silicone, carefully heatshrink) or buy a stainless steel probe for it if they have one. Looking now.

I use the TC-9102D-HV unit you're talking about. I've had it for about a year now without any problems. I used a Ranco before and it crapped out on me. This TC-9102 is way more durable and I was having problems wiring the device (Cause I was a little full) and called tech support and they had me up an running quickly. I use it to brew beer too. You can adjust the differential up to 30 degrees, have your relays set for cool/heat or cool/cool or Heat/Heat. Does way more than the Ranco or ETC for less money.. just a little wiring. I'm sure you already bought something.. but if you havn't, get this one. I love it and for the price on Amazon.. you can't beat it.

inspired333 said:

Ohhh, not only do you suggest the Ranco, but you yourself use it? That's awesome man. I'm gonna order one on payday. Thanks a lot dude.
PS: I see some 'pre-wired' ones on pretty obscure sites (though graingers was one of them). I don't think I'll bother though, I think I can figure it out.

EDIT From etcsupply's website: "Neither the Ranco ETC or Johnson A419 probes are recommended for direct submersion in any liquid. The manufacturer recommends use of a thermal or bulb well. The copper well offered by the manufacturer is not suitable in all applications, especially aquariums where it may be harmful to fish, corals and other sea life. Thus a tight fitting plastic tube is recommended for aquarium use (some hobbyist will simply coat the probe in silicone instead)."

I guess you don't use yours in a "liquid" application. I need to put my probe into the reservoir. So I guess i'll need to either coat the probe in something (silicone, carefully heatshrink) or buy a stainless steel probe for it if they have one. Looking now.

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